If you’ve lived in Irvine for a while, or even if you’re just in town visiting, you’ve probably noticed — this place has no shortage of hair salons. From fancy high-end studios to cozy one-room boutique spots, there’s something for everyone. But with so many choices, it can be a little overwhelming to figure out which salons actually deserve your time and money.
That’s why I put this guide together. These are the top 10 best hair salons near Irvine, CA, each one with its own vibe, services, and loyal following. Some are luxury destinations with big reputations, others are more down-to-earth but still deliver excellent work. Whether you’re a teenager experimenting with color, a parent getting haircuts for the whole family, a professional who wants that clean, polished look, or even a tourist who wants to look sharp before heading out to dinner at Irvine Spectrum — this list should have you covered.
Why choose a real salon in Irvine?
Let’s be honest, we’ve all had moments where we thought about cutting corners — literally. Maybe you tried a DIY cut during lockdown. Maybe you’ve gone to a bargain chain where they churn you through in 15 minutes. And sure, it works in a pinch. But when you step into a real salon, the difference is obvious.
It’s not just about trimming split ends. A good stylist can make your hair healthier, shape it so it grows out better, and give you confidence you didn’t even realize you were missing. Salons in Irvine are also great at staying up with trends: balayage, Brazilian blowouts, precision bobs, edgy color jobs, bridal styling — they’ve seen it all. And let’s be real, for events like weddings, graduations, or job interviews, you really don’t want to risk a bad haircut.
1. Sherry Luxury Hair Salon Irvine
Google rating: 4.9 stars
Address: 4482 Barranca Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92604
Tel: (949) 375-1210
Website: sherryluxuryhairsalon.com
Directions: Google Maps
Sherry Luxury is the kind of place where you don’t just get your hair done — you feel taken care of. Sherry, the owner, has this mix of friendliness and skill that keeps people coming back. She’s especially famous for her bob cuts (seriously, customers mention them all the time) and for getting vibrant color results that actually last.
The vibe is welcoming and clean. Some people even described it as “therapy-like,” because you leave feeling relaxed on top of having a great haircut. The services range from standard cuts to Brazilian blowouts and highlights.
This salon is perfect for women and men who want personalized service, and it’s very family-friendly. College students, moms, dads — all are regulars here. Prices are reasonable too, with cuts starting around $28 plus tip.
Pros: personal service, attention to detail, great with color and bobs. Cons: because Sherry is so popular, sometimes you’ll wait or have to book early.
Review highlight: “Layers, length, and overall style are perfect… welcoming experience.” (Google review, 6 months ago)
2. PIA Hair Salon
Google rating: 4.6 stars
Address: 16525 Von Karman Ave, Irvine, CA 92606
Tel: (949) 253-9073
Website: piahairsalon.net
Directions: Google Maps
PIA has a bit of a Japanese-inspired approach, which sets it apart from other local salons. From the way the stylists interact to the way the salon is kept, it feels organized and calm.
Most people come here for color — especially blonde coloring and corrective jobs. One customer shared that stylist Miho turned her badly damaged yellow hair into a perfect blonde. They also handle men’s cuts and women’s styling, so it’s not limited to one crowd.
PIA works well for both men and women who appreciate detailed, careful work. It’s especially good if you like Japanese or Asian-inspired styles. Cuts hover around $75, which some people find fair for the quality, but others feel is pricey for the results.
Pros: skilled colorists, calm atmosphere, attention to detail. Cons: occasionally, stylists don’t match exactly what was requested, and pricing opinions are mixed.
Review highlight: “Second time here… hair turns out perfect and healthier.” (Google review, 9 months ago)
3. Alan He Hair Studio 31
Google rating: 5.0 stars
Address: 15333 Culver Dr Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92604
Tel: (626) 780-5333
Website: alanhehairstudio.com
Directions: Google Maps
Alan He’s salon is the superstar of Irvine. With thousands of reviews and still a 5.0 rating, it’s basically unbeatable. People rave about Alan’s precision and the way his cuts and styles grow out beautifully.
The studio itself is modern and clean, which adds to the upscale vibe. They handle cuts, highlights, color, and more. The team is versatile and can handle fashion-forward looks or more professional styles.
This salon is best for anyone who wants consistently perfect results. Young professionals, families, and even trend-seekers all find their match here. The only catch? You definitely need an appointment because it’s always busy.
Pros: unmatched skill, modern setting, loyal fan base. Cons: advance booking required.
Review highlight: “Clean and organized studio, brand new stylish haircut with highlight.” (Google review, 11 months ago)
4. House of Lange Hair Design – Irvine Spectrum Center
Google rating: 4.8 stars
Address: 719 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618
Tel: (949) 753-1223
Website: houseoflange.com
Directions: Google Maps
House of Lange is one of the more stylish and modern salons in the city, conveniently located in Irvine Spectrum Center. The atmosphere is upscale but still welcoming, and the salon has amenities like Wi-Fi, beverages, and gender-neutral restrooms.
The stylists are praised for their skill with long hair and extensions. They’re also known for using premium products that leave your hair smelling amazing. This salon is very LGBTQ+ friendly and has a loyal following among adults and teens who want trend-forward looks.
The services include cuts, color, balayage, and extensions. Women’s cuts are typically around $120, which is higher than some, but the consistency and quality seem to make up for it.
Pros: stylish space, premium products, inclusive environment. Cons: high prices and occasional wait times.
Review highlight: “Always a wonderful experience, highly recommend for color and extensions.” (Google review, 4 months ago)
5. DL HOPE T5 Hair Salon
Google rating: 4.0 stars
Address: 2967 Michelson Dr K, Irvine, CA 92612
Tel: (949) 261-5856
Website: t5hair.com
Directions: Google Maps
Not every salon has to be luxury, and DL HOPE is proof of that. This is more of a practical, budget-friendly salon where you can get basic cuts and coloring at moderate prices.
The salon is clean, has Wi-Fi, and is wheelchair accessible. It’s great for adults who just want reliable service without the frills.
Pros: affordable, friendly staff, good for simple services. Cons: results can be inconsistent depending on the stylist.
Review highlight: “Staff friendly, price reasonable.” (Google review, 1 year ago)
6. Hair by Nicole Kim (Sola Salon 5)
Google rating: 5.0 stars
Address: 15333 Culver Dr Suite 200, Room 5, Irvine, CA 92604
Tel: (213) 505-3187
Website: hairbynicolekim.godaddysites.com
Directions: Google Maps
Nicole Kim’s studio is boutique-sized but packs a punch. She’s known for her detailed, careful work, especially with Asian hair textures. Customers rave about her ability to deliver creative cuts and beautiful coloring.
The atmosphere is calming and intimate, which makes it feel different from bigger, busier salons. Nicole gives personalized service, which is why she’s so in demand.
Pros: expert in Asian hair, boutique vibe, very detailed work. Cons: you need to book in advance because she fills up fast.
Review highlight: “Nicole made my hair perfect, beautiful color.” (Google review, 7 months ago)
7. Shadows Hair Salon
Google rating: 4.5 stars
Address: 4250 Barranca Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92604
Tel: (949) 333-1237
Website: shadowssalon.com
Directions: Google Maps
Shadows is one of those salons that feels approachable. It’s modern, spacious, and often mentioned for being family-friendly.
They offer everything from cuts and color to bridal styling, and they’re LGBTQ+ friendly. The salon has Wi-Fi and a comfortable atmosphere that keeps people coming back.
Pros: versatile services, friendly for families and bridal parties. Cons: some reviews mention inconsistency in results.
Review highlight: “Good for bridal and group styling.” (Google review, 8 months ago)
8. Floyd’s 99 Barbershop
Google rating: 4.4 stars
Address: 3972 H Barranca Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92606
Tel: (949) 784-0399
Website: floydsbarbershop.com
Directions: Google Maps
Floyd’s is trendy and energetic, more like a barbershop with personality than a quiet salon. It’s great for men, teens, and anyone who wants modern, edgy cuts.
The shop accepts walk-ins, which is rare in Irvine. They’re also LGBTQ+ friendly and kid-friendly, so you’ll see a mix of customers.
Pros: edgy atmosphere, walk-in convenience, good for men’s cuts. Cons: results can vary by stylist, and it can get busy.
Review highlight: “Great place for men’s cuts, walk-in convenience.” (Google review, 1 year ago)
9. Matchbox Hair Studio
Google rating: not listed
Address: 15333 Culver Dr, Irvine, CA 92604
Tel: (626) 780-5333
Website: alanhehairstudio.com
Directions: Google Maps
Matchbox is a smaller studio that shares its location with Alan He Hair Studio. There’s not as much online information, but customers mention trendy cuts and modern styles.
It’s a good option if you’re already familiar with Alan He’s team and want something in the same space.
10. PIA Hair Salon (Alternate Link)
Google rating: 4.6 stars
Address: 16525 Von Karman Ave, Irvine, CA 92606
Tel: (949) 253-9073
Website: piahairsalon.us
Directions: Google Maps
This is essentially the same as the main PIA salon but listed under an alternate site. The services and reviews are the same — known for Japanese-inspired techniques, great coloring, and a calm vibe.
Comparison Table: Top Hair Salons in Irvine
| Salon | Rating | Pros | Cons | Review Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alan He Hair Studio 31 | 5.0 | Incredible skill, fashion-forward | Busy, must book | “Amazing service, stylish cuts” |
| Sherry Luxury | 4.9 | Personalized, expert in bobs/colors | Wait times | “Layers and highlights are perfect” |
| House of Lange | 4.8 | Premium, stylish, LGBTQ+ friendly | Expensive | “Luxury feel, amazing products” |
| Nicole Kim | 5.0 | Asian hair expert, boutique | Hard to book | “Perfect color, boutique atmosphere” |
| PIA Hair Salon | 4.6 | Japanese techniques, blondes | Mixed price/value | “Damaged hair restored perfectly” |
| Shadows | 4.5 | Family/bridal friendly | Inconsistent results | “Great for group styling” |
| Floyd’s 99 | 4.4 | Walk-ins, edgy cuts | Stylist inconsistency | “Love the edgy vibe” |
| DL HOPE T5 | 4.0 | Budget-friendly | Quality varies | “Friendly, fair prices” |
| Matchbox | — | Trendy cuts | Limited info | “Modern vibe” |
| PIA (Alt) | 4.6 | Same as PIA | Same as PIA | “Relaxing experience” |
FAQs
1. How much is a haircut in Irvine?
It ranges a lot. Basic trims can be around $25–30, mid-range salons are about $60–75, and high-end salons charge $120+ for women’s cuts. Color services and treatments are extra.
2. Which salon is best for coloring?
Alan He Studio, Sherry Luxury, and PIA are the standouts. Alan for trendy highlights, Sherry for vibrant tones, and PIA for blonde transformations.
3. Do any of these salons take walk-ins?
Yes, Floyd’s 99 Barbershop is the most walk-in friendly. Most of the others prefer appointments, especially busy ones like Alan He or Nicole Kim.
4. Are these salons family-friendly?
Yes. Sherry Luxury and Shadows are good for families. Floyd’s also works well for kids and teens.
5. Cheapest salon option?
DL HOPE T5 is the most budget-friendly while still being reliable for basic services.
6. Best salon for Asian hair?
Hair by Nicole Kim is the go-to choice. She specializes in Asian textures and styles.
7. Bridal or special occasion styling?
Shadows Hair Salon and House of Lange both have good reputations for bridal and event looks.
8. Do I need to book far in advance?
For Alan He and Nicole Kim, yes, at least a week or two. For DL HOPE or Floyd’s, you can often get in the same week, sometimes even same day.
That’s the rundown of the top 10 best hair salons near Irvine, CA. From trendy studios to cozy boutiques, Irvine’s salon scene has something for everyone.
If you want the all-around safest bet, Alan He Hair Studio 31 is the clear winner. For something more personal, Sherry Luxury and Nicole Kim are excellent choices. And if you need a walk-in or a family-friendly option, Floyd’s or Shadows have you covered.
Whether you’re a student, a parent, a professional, or even just passing through town, one of these salons will have exactly what you’re looking for.
